RAD LIFE

In a healthy spin on the delightfully late nights that are so typical of Adelaide Fringe season, Meraki Festival took to the Soldier’s Memorial Gardens for a morning of balance, creativity and wellness last Sunday. We soaked up some precious final rays of summer sun, whilst celebrating all things health and wellbeing as the inaugural event saw a diverse array of workshops, classes, stalls and eats flock to Unley. These are our top picks.

Goal Setting Soulshine Workshop: Tahlia Pretty

Focused on women’s wellness, Tahlia Pretty took to the ‘Teach Me’ pavilion, leading the way in reaching our goals and making our souls shine. Passionate about overall well-being and all facets of optimal health, Pretty’s workshop took us on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. In celebration of our selves and bodies, the mindfulness leader and personal trainer guided us in learning to shine from within. In a glimpse of her signature combined functional fitness, mediation and yoga principles based practice, the hour-long session served as guided reflection, gratitude and inspiration. For more information on Tahlia, check out her Instagram and upcoming workshop at Plant 4 Bowden.

Show Me by Lululemon.

Catering for both the high intensity workout junkies and the more zen inclined yogis amongst us, the festival saw various instructors take to the main stage for guided, group workouts. Commencing the day with a challenging barre class by Xtend Barre, we can’t fault the incredible diversity of classes that hit the Lululemon stage. There was truly something for everyone, with fitness fanatics of all shapes and sizes invited to get their sweat on with a 9am total body workout, midday F45 Atheltica session and 1pm HIIT class by Life PT while those looking for something less intense were treated to varying pilates and yoga sessions. With such an incredibly motivating, inspiring and inclusive atmosphere it’s impossible pick a favourite.

RSPCA puppy pen

Everybody knows that the true answer to all of your wellbeing quarrels is adorable little puppies. We wished and Meraki delivered with an RSPCA puppy pen that stole our hearts. A five-dollar donation allowed us to snuggle, cuddle and love the foster puppies, all while supporting the great work that the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter do. For more information on how to help and maybe even adopt one of these cuties for yourself, check out the RSPCA website.

The Food

Central to both good health and good festivals is a good feed! We were spoiled for choices as local retailers Nutrition Republic and Melon and Rye put on an incredible spread of nourishing and delicious eats. With good food covered, we were relieved to see South Australians Mojo Kombucha of Willunga, as well as newbies Mighty Mighty Coffee supplying such complementary beverages.

Packed full of delectable and nutritional eats, fun and inclusive workout classes, inspirational workshops and adorable puppies galore, Meraki Festival can be counted as a healthy highlight of the Adelaide Fringe.

What happens when pure comedy takes human form? What happens when a creature is created and bred to do stand up? Nobody knows because that isn’t a thing. What is a thing is Ross Noble doing a show. You can come and see. This is it.